BORN

1949

DIED

2012

FUNERAL HOME

Harry A. Nauman & Son

4041 Freeport Blvd

Sacramento, California

Max Cheeseman Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 5, 2012.

CHEESEMAN, Charles Max
October 14, 1949 - September 30, 2012

Max passed away unexpectedly from a torn aorta just three months before his planned retirement.

Max was the second child of Gordon and Cornelia Cheeseman, joining Margaret Ann to complete the family. He was born in and spent his early childhood in Champaign, IL, then moved to Springfield, IL. The family moved again to Midland Park, NJ, where Max completed his first two years of high school. Gordon's job in the Space Program again required the family to move-this time to Camarillo, California, where Max graduated from high school. Throughout his growing up years, Max learned from his father and adoring mother the importance and joy of public service.

Max and best friend ventured north to Fresno to begin their college careers. During college Max's interest in politics emerged. He volunteered on local campaigns, traveling throughout the Central Valley to register and educate voters. Along with debating issues and strategizing policy, Max developed a tight group of friends, even becoming the godfather of Emily Leap-Perzigian. In 1972 Max proudly attended the Democratic National Convention as a McGovern delegate, one of the youngest delegates.

After a brief internship in Washington, D.C., and a few years of being a professional political junkie, he joined the City of Fresno shop. He loved the work, and again his family of friends grew along with his skill set. Once Max had almost completed his Masters of Public Administration he decided it was time to expand his horizons; CalTrans wisely hired him to work in their budget shop.

Max once again decided to make a change and joined the now-defunct California Dept. of Trade and Commerce, where he worked in various units legislation, technology, and the administration of the Small Business Administration program. With the closure of Trade and Commerce, Max moved to the Office of Information Services with the Dept. of Consumer Affairs. At this job Max was able to combine his knowledge of technology, budgets, the legislative process, and project planning. He willingly dedicated many hours of his own time to become certified by the Project Management Institute. He easily acquired the friendship and respect of his colleagues at every job he held, and he valued both greatly.

Once Max moved to Sacramento he expanded his social network by attending a Friday-night discussion group where he met Mary Wandschneider. Within a year, they decided to get married. Mary's joy of life and Max's broad smile and steady keel brought them both many years of happiness. Max embraced and was embraced by the Wandschneider family, and loved the opportunity to be an uncle to so many wonderful, interesting boys. Home ownership was part of Max's dream for his family. Max loved to do the home improvements and maintenance he had learned at his father's side. Max was frequently outside working, chatting with neighbors, or gardening. He loved his neighborhood and his neighbors.

Max always loved children, and he was devastated when Andrew Charles Cheeseman was stillborn in 1994. When Max and Mary became parents to Katherine Irene Cheeseman (Katie), he achieved has greatest dream-to be a father. He devoted his actions and his heart to helping Katie become the wonderful young women she is. When it came time for Katie to consider colleges, he created one of his legendary spreadsheets of the pros and cons of every university she was considering and then carefully planned school visits across the country. Max wanted to help find the best school for his beloved daughter. It was his hope that she would achieve all of her dreams and have a charmed life.

Any memorials may be made to the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, 3333 Third Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, or to a charity of your choice .

Max, we love you for your passion, prudence, and intelligence.
We cherish you for your wisdom, humor, loyalty and limitless hear.
You will always be missed, remembered, and most importantly loved.

Mary and Katie, Gordon and Wilma, Margaret,
and Max's many friends, coworkers, and relatives

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Max Cheeseman

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Not sure what to say?

March 28, 2013

Kathleen Dovidio

Dear Mary,

I have been thinking about you and Max over the years, wishing that i had not lost touch with both of you after Katie's arrival. I remember your beautiful wedding, and the honor of being Max's best "man". Consequently, i just googled Max and am crying to read that he passed this past September. I am so sorry that he is gone. The photo gallery is beautiful of the three of you and a source of great comfort, knowing that all of you had a good life together. Your daughter is absolutely a beautiful reminder of your love for one another which i was lucky enough to witness on several occasions during your early years together. It is with great sadness that i didn't get in touch when the opportunity was still present to become reacquainted. Although my sympathy is belated, please know that the memories of our friendship have always be present in my life. Your husband was such a lucky guy to have you two! My thoughts are with you both. So sorry i missed meeting Katie but I still have the lovely letter Max sent me announcing her arrival. Take care and god bless, Kathleen Dovidio, Sebastopol, CA

October 26, 2012

Diane Hall

Condolences to Max's family. I know of him through my connection to his father. Max was my 3rd cousin and I'm sorry I didn't get to know him. He was certainly well liked and highly thought of and loved by his family.
Very sincerely,
Diane Gould Hall

October 21, 2012

Ron Primavera

Max helped us all manage the long, tedious hours required to put a budget to bed each year. He was a special guy. Sorry for your loss.

October 18, 2012

Darrell and Jackie Dearborn

Mary and Katie,
I learned of Max's death today in an email from Ron Anderson. It's painful to realize he's gone. His work for me in the Fresno budget office was done with quiet competence. There was nothing Max couldn't learn and do well, better than most of us. He was respected by everyone in our office, and throughout the city organization, for his respectful honesty and his humility, qualities I'm sure he carried throughout his career.

Jackie and I send you our deepest sympathy and condolences.

October 16, 2012

Diane Hawkins

Mary,
It was so very sad to read the news about Max. My deepest sympathies to Mary, Katie, and all of Max's family & friends. Hold tight to all of the wonderful memories...

October 15, 2012

Dave Todd

I met Max in Fresno during the 1972 McGovern Presidential campaign where I worked on the yard sign operation and also did precinct walking. Max was a very energetic and extremely dedicated member who gave many hours to our effort. I moved to Sacramento eleven years ago. I regret that I did not know that Max had also relocated here. My condolences to his family. Peace and love.

Dave Todd

October 15, 2012

Brian Holloway

Max, Ron Anderson and I were interns at the City of Fresno, while in Grad School. We had a really great time believing that we were actually running the City. Max obviously took our tasks much more seriously than the rest of us. Except for the time we were told to "look busy." That resulted in us designing and constructing the most radical but elaborate paper airplanes, and tossing them out our sixth-story window to the street below. Max's planes were incredibly precise and flew better than any others. Later, Max followed me to Sacramento, where I would hear from him or of his accomplishments from time to time. He truly loved being a husband and father and he will be very much missed. Condolences to Mary, Katie and the rest of his familly.

October 15, 2012

Airball

Max was a great guy. Condolences and all the best to Mary and Katie.

October 15, 2012

Mary, I am so very sorry for your loss. Peace be with you and your family.
Sincerely,Clar Rohde (OCJP)

October 15, 2012

I met Max through his sweet wife Mary and had the pleasure of crossing paths with them over the years. His calm, quiet, good-natured presence will be missed. Hugs to all his family and friends.
Teresa Contreras

October 14, 2012

Tom Peck

Max & I met in Fresno during the 1972 McGovern Presidential campaign where I volunteered doing voter registration and get-out-the-vote. As I recall, Max's work was instrumental in producing a plurality of McGovern votes in the City of Fresno. He was amazing. Judy and I attended his wonderful wedding to Mary and we stayed in touch somewhat during our years together in Sacramento. He was a wonderful, thoughtful, often serious, mostly cheerful guy; Mary & Katie have our condolences. Tom Peck & Judy Diaso

October 14, 2012

I worked with MAX at Trade and Commerce and his devotion to his daughter was what made him so wonderful. I often stopped by Curtis Park and would see him working on some home hone do list. He will be missed a tremendous loss to so many. In peace and Love, The O'Connor Family

October 12, 2012

Lynn & Jan Cheeseman

Gordon, Mary & Katie,

Our family sends our sympathy to you during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss

October 10, 2012

Paula Haas

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Thank you for posting the photo gallery it was nice to see a different side of Max than the work side I only saw. I can tell your family was close.

October 10, 2012

Mary and Katie,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Colleen Ridolfi-Thompson

October 9, 2012

Malcolm Clark

Max was a great person. Remembering our last conversation, he was looking forward to retiring in the next few month. I told Max that he was irreplacable here at DCA. He tried to downplay is value. He was so modest. He will be truly missed.

October 9, 2012

Randy West

Dear Uncle Gordon,
Mom just shared this link for the photos of Max and the family...... you have my deepest condolences.....I am so very sad for your loss..... love, Randy

October 9, 2012

Dear Mary and Katie,
I was stunned to hear of Max's passing. Max was such a sweet presence in our neighborhood, delivering the Curtis Park paper month after month, year after year. I had good conversations with him when our paths would cross on Markham Way, and I loved his disposition, friendliness, good cheer and calm manner. I will miss him very much. It really is hard to imagine I will not see him out there, raking your leaves and all that. Blessings to you both. I think you were blessed to have Max.
John Briggs

October 9, 2012

Patricia Aguilar

I worked with Max on one of his Famous spreadsheets and I learned sooo much from him in the past 7 years. To me he was OIS's King of spreadsheets. I will miss him dearly. My sincerest sympathy goes out to you and your family.

October 9, 2012

Lisa Christenson

Mary and Katie: I worked with Max at DCA and wanted to say that your family continues to be in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure many have expressed how special Max was...and it is so very true. It was obvious that he loved his family so much...I know he will always watch over you. I truly hope that you will feel his spirit with you for the rest of your days.

October 9, 2012

Elizabeth Swearinger

Dear Mary and Katie, I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Max and I worked together for 5 years at Consumer Affairs and he was always eager to learn the network details and how it related to cost. I enjoyed working with Max and answering all his curious questions. Galatians 5:22, 23, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

I believe Max lived by the fruitages of the spirit.


Elizabeth Swearinger

October 8, 2012

Vicki Kinman

Mary and Katie: My thoughts are with you. Max was an amazing man, always with a smile on his face. Of course, you don't need me to tell you what a wonderful man he is. I enjoyed working with him. He will be deeply missed. Please keep the happy memories and thoughs of Max in your heart as those memories are what will help you get through the coming days, weeks and months.

Let's hope that they have spreadsheets in heaven! And, if they don't they soon will as angel Max has arrived.

October 8, 2012

Scott Robinson

Though we worked in the same office for many years, it wasn't until Summer 2011 that I got to know Max. Max asked me one day what I was going to be doing on my vacation and I told him my wife and I were moving our oldest daughter to Denver. He told me that you and him would likely be moving Katie for college in 2012. Max encouraged me, just two Dads talking about our Baby Girls that had grown up way too fast! We spoke the week he returned from New York, he missed Katie already yet he was so proud of her. I'm grateful I was allowed to work with and get to know Max, I am richer for having known him. Thank you for sharing him with us!

October 8, 2012

Jeff Alameida

Max was a wonderful man to work with. I am sorry to hear about your loss. Listening to his stories about his family you could see the love in his eyes for all of you. I will pray for Max and for your family during this time. God Bless.

October 8, 2012

Patricia Sanchez

Ms. Mary,Katie,and Extended Family,
My heartfelt sympathy. Max was a great co-worker. There will be a great void here at DCA. May the wonderful memories comfort you during these difficult times. My thoughts and prayers are with you. There is an Angel among us...
God Speed
Your Friend

October 8, 2012

Robert Briggs

Assuring you of our love and prayers at this sad time. So sorry to hear of your loss.

October 8, 2012

Alex Glaros

Max was the greatest colleague to work with at the Department of Consumer Affairs. He was a friend to everyone and elevated all of us with his warmth, intelligence, and insight.

October 8, 2012

Carol Steichen

I worked with Max and had many enjoyable cubicle discussions where he and I solved the state's problems (smile). He was a joy to work with-stopping to answer questions no matter how busy he was and always with a smile. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. He is and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his coworkers, and all the lives he touched.

October 8, 2012

Lieutenant Coopwood

He live an exemplary life that we can all learn from.
He did it the right way and planned his life well.
Although none of us can plan our end,
I'm sure he's in heaven now planning for our arrival.

October 8, 2012

Gerry Lobo

Mary and Katie: I am so very sorry for your loss. Please accept our sympathies and condolences. Max was definitely a valued member of our DCA family and we will miss him greatly. Please take care and we will continue to keep you in our thoughts.

October 8, 2012

Erin Peel

So sorry Mary, my heart goes out to you. Erin Peel-Bell

October 8, 2012

We were so sorry to hear about Max. He was a fine man, a great husband and a special dad. I hope your memories of him will be of some comfort. Please accept our sympathy and good wishes. Sharon & Dallas Davis

October 8, 2012

Shirley Toy

So Sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow and grief.
Shirley Toy/Dwight Crocker
(Sarah Crocker's parents)

Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results

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